Balsa : Wood for Model Making

Balsa wood comes from tropical regions of the Americas. Most boards/blocks of Balsa are from the sapwood, which is a white to off-white or tan color, sometimes with a pink or yellow hue.

Balsa has a straight grain with a medium to coarse texture and low natural luster. Generally very easy to work with a craft knife.

Common Uses: Buoys, rafts, surfboards, scale models, model airplanes, musical instruments, packing/transport cases, and fishing lures.

Balsa generally should not be used to hold nails, with glue being the preferred method of joining. UHU Hart glue is suitable for balsa wood.